The City of Gresham is seeking an experienced and dynamic Public Information Officer (PIO) to be the strategic communications leader for Public Safety and our Mayor/Council. This is an incredible opportunity to shape the City’s messaging, strengthen relationships with residents and media, and play a vital role in ensuring transparency and engagement with the public. For the initial 6 months of employment, this position will be required to work on-site/in the office five (5) days per week. Subject to change thereafter, the current schedule for this position beyond the probationary period is hybrid, with work on-site/in the office a minimum of four (4) days per week.

What You'll Do:

Public Safety Communications

Act as the primary spokesperson for the Police and Fire departments, handling crisis communications and emergency responses in collaboration with Police and Fire Command Staff and designated staff.
Develop and execute strategic communication plans to enhance public safety awareness.
Craft messaging on critical incidents, policies, and community engagement efforts.
Serve as the media liaison for public safety updates and press events.

Mayor & City Council Communications

Manage public communications for the Mayor and City Council, ensuring alignment with the City’s vision.
Draft impactful press releases, speeches, talking points, and other materials for elected officials.
Engage proactively with residents and media on Council initiatives and priorities.
Ensure timely and transparent communication with the public regarding government actions and decisions.

Office of Governance & Management Communications

Lead communications for the City Manager’s Office, ensuring clarity on administrative initiatives, policies, and updates.
Develop cohesive messaging strategies across departments.
Provide oversight and consultation on digital and print content related to governance.
Strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance communication efforts.

Levy Accountability Communications

Design and implement strategies to educate the public on the use and impact of operating levy funds.
Work with finance and program staff to produce transparent, engaging updates.
Develop reports, presentations, and public materials to demonstrate program effectiveness and accountability.
Engage community members, answer questions, and foster public trust in the City’s financial stewardship.

Qualities we are looking for:

Collaborative– Ability to successfully develop positive, effective relationships at all levels of the organization, cultivating an environment of respect, championing a work culture where all voices are heard and supported.
Practical– Effectively applies skills and knowledge demonstrating their role as the subject matter expert, maintaining an understanding of the issues affecting the City and leveraging that knowledge to drive decisions that positively impact the City while exhibiting critical thinking and analytical skills and the use of sound judgement and decision making.
Strategic and Inventive – Effectively balance strategy with empathy, flexibility with accountability and objectivity while being curious, seeking new ideas, consider new approaches and enjoying new challenges.
Communication – Effectively communicate to all levels with the organization and council; is an active listener that values honesty and integrity and responds empathetically through transparent and clear communication while maintaining effective relationships.
Equitable- Work towards removing barriers. Acknowledge that historical systems and polices were designed to benefit some and burden others. Recognize that everyone does not start from an equal place. Accept, respect, value and support the diverse cultures and identities within our organization and our community. Be mindful and intentional in creating equitable outcomes and opportunities through our policies and systems.
Belonging– Effectively work towards the City’s value of leading with trust, being welcoming to all and seeking to understand others.
Integrity– Work with honesty, take accountability and be accountable to your staff, peers, the team and the organization.
Service– Effectively work with heart to not only ensure compliance with applicable state, federal and local laws but in doing the right thing.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
Three (3) to six (6) years of progressive experience in media communications, public relations, or a related work.

Or any combination of seven (7) to ten (10) years of related education, training, and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify for consideration.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Selection Process

To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of the linked job posting.

Required application materials:

Complete online application (Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.)
Your detailed responses to supplemental questions

The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your required application materials. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay.

For more details and to apply, visit: https://GreshamOregon.gov/jobs

If you have questions, please contact HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov

Public Safety jobs

Public Information Officer